Vernon Senior Center celebrates 25th anniversary

VERNON — “Everything's going my way,” played Eric Kerssen on the accordion, Aug. 26, at the Vernon Senior Center 25th Anniversary.
Tables full of around 150 seniors cheerfully enjoyed one another amidst sunflower centerpieces. Senior Center Director Jane Damstra, Recreation Director Mishelle Downtain, Carol Gormley, and volunteers served muffins and bagels. Later, they prepared and served the luncheon of: mini-croissant chicken and egg salad finger sandwiches, ham and cheese small roll sandwiches, corn, basil, and red onion salad, pasta salad, fruit salad, and celebratory cake commemorating the 25th anniversary.
Damstra said, “The Golden Lunch Bunch” started before the Senior Center in the 70s, meeting at the McAfee Fire House. She added, they were celebrating the 25th anniversary of the the Senior Center, built in Aug. of 1992.
Festivities began at 10:30 a.m., continuing through 1 p.m.
Dignitaries attended and congratulated the participants: Vernon Mayor Harry Shortway and N.J. Assemblyman Parker Space presented proclamations celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Senior Center; Sussex County Freeholder Sylvia Petillo and U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer's Constituent Advocate, Sarah Frey, also addressed the crowd.
Shortway recognized all the work Damstra does at the Senior Center and also thanked Downtain for her help.
He acknowledged the important role seniors serve in society, having earned the respect and “admiration of our citizens, because of their knowledge, dignity, and zest for life.” Shortway concluded, the community is “Proud of our seniors. They are the guardians of wisdom and experience.” He welcomed and encouraged them to enjoy the day, thanking them for all they do.
Earlier, Shortway reviewed the township's commitment to investing in the Senior Center — from the past to the future: roof, fire alarms, fully charged fire suppression system, elevator, connecting to the waste water system, repairing and replacing bathrooms, and connecting to public water by October.
Through an initiative — financed by a U.S.D.A. grant and other grants — Shortway said, they hope to build an amphitheater and an Americans with Disabilities compliant trail from around the complex, leading to the town center for seniors to enjoy. He said he is attending a meeting on how to write grants and working with a representative of Gottheimer's office to “get the money coming back to us in New Jersey.”
Space also saluted the staff who put endless hours into the center, dedicating their time. He congratulated everyone for the 25th anniversary and presented a joint resolution from the N.J. Senate and N.J. Assembly to Damstra.
Petillo complimented the facility, wonderful coordinators, and atmosphere. She said, she was so thrilled to see the number of people taking advantage of all the programs.
Frey said, they, too, support the Senior Center, which brings the whole community together, and all that can be learned from each other.
Damstra thanked and appreciated everyone coming to help them celebrate the 25th anniversary. She added, “Thanks, everyone. Enjoy!”